Mongolia
Why children in Mongolia need your help
Mongolia is a landlocked country in central Asia, bordered by
Russia and China and is only 28 miles from Kazakhstan at its most
easterly tip. Conditions for children in Mongolia have improved
considerably in the past decade since the introduction of child
protection laws. There has also been success against diseases
such as polio and measles, and increasing attendance at primary
school.
Despite such improvements, children in Mongolia still experience
considerable hardship. Many Mongolians rely on farming of crops
and livestock for their income, but due to the country's extreme
climate - cold and snowstorms, drought, fires and floods - they
often face loss of income and shortage of food. As a result, they
are faced with malnutrition, disease outbreaks and economic
hardship.
Children in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with the
lack of nutritious food contributing not only to hunger but also
to weakened immune systems, extreme fatigue and poor health.
Country facts
In 1921, with Soviet assistance, Mongolia gained independence
from China and the Communist regime was implemented in 1924. In
1949, it was recognised by China and in 1961 became a member of
the United Nations. In 1990, the Soviet-style one party state was
abolished and the country has since embraced political
reform.
Mongolia is an independent country ruled by a democratic
coalition whose main trading partners are Russia and China.
Mongolia sits on generous resource deposits, such as coal and
copper, however to date these have remained largely
under-utilised.
Mongolia has received significant support from the International
Monetary Fund, but economic development remains slow.
- Population: 2.6 million
- Capital: Ulaanbaatar
- Major languages: Mongolian
- Major religions: Buddhism
- Life expectancy: 64 years
